^8 Of the Polype*^ Body. 



for its more ready Adhefion to Sticks, Stalks, 

 or other Bodies. And this I am inclined to 

 think, not only from its fixing conflantly by 

 that Part, but likewife from obferving a Re- 

 dundance of fuch Mucus frequently flowing 

 from it: then, efpecially, when the Tail has 

 been cut off, before it gets a Head, and con- 

 fequently whilfl: there are no Fteces to be 

 difcharged thereby. A Slime or Mucus will 

 likewife iiTue from other Parts, tho' not in fo 

 great Abundance; but, whencefoever it comes, 

 the Polype fliould be aflifted to get rid of it, 

 by being waflied in frefh Water, and having 

 it gently pulled away. For it will occafion 

 a DiiTolution or Beginning Mortification, 

 that will grow daily worfe and worfe, unlefs 

 proper Care be taken ; and, even after all, it 

 becomes fometimes an incurable Diforder ; 

 in which Cafe, the (horteft and befl Remedy 

 is, to cut off the diftemper'd Part, fincc in a 

 few Days after the Polype will then become 

 as perfed: as ever. 



The moft effectual Method of preventing 

 this Diforder is, to give them frefli Water eve- 

 ry two Days at fartheft, if the GlaflTes you 

 keep them inarefmall: for otherwife the 

 Water grows fo charg'd with this flimy Mat- 

 ter, that it feems as if full of Cobwebs, and 

 much inconveniences the Polypes, When 

 this Slime is viewed in the Microfcope, it 

 feems to be a Congeries of long flender Hairs, 

 like exceeding fine Flax or Wool; this en- 

 tangles 



